Shacks on the tracks
PLANS TO MODERNISE: The old Philippi depot. Photo: TRACEY ADAMS/ANA PLANS TO MODERNISE: The old Philippi depot. Photo: TRACEY ADAMS/ANA
Desperate residents from Samora Machel informal settlement have started building shacks on train tracks to get away from ruthless landlords who charge them hundreds of rands for rent.
Metrorail has confirmed that the tracks are at the old Philippi depot, which are not being used but have been earmarked for “modernisation”.
The Daily Voice spoke to people who this week moved onto the disused tracks which run next to the Philippi Train Station.
Ntombi Ndlovu, 32, and a single mother of two says she was forced to move as her landlord abuses her.
“I pay my rent of R650 on time every month and this man just wants more,” Ntombi tells the Daily Voice.
OWN HOME: John Young builds house near tracks. Photo: TRACEY ADAMS/ANA
“He gets drunk and swears and calls me ugly names and pushes me around, even hitting me in front of my children.
“I feel I will be safer here and we are closer to water.”
Closer to the footbridge, John Young, 38, is building his new home after his father kicked him out.
“My father says I bring too many women around and he is tired of it. He said I must go and build my own home and grow up,” Young says.
“I saw one shack here and waited a week before I came and saw others had also marked plots.”
But Metrorail spokeswoman, Riana Scott, says the invaders will be removed as the property is earmarked for development.
“Illegal informal ingress in the rail reserve is a long-standing concern. This particular site is the old Philippi depot which is earmarked for modernisation.”
SQUEEZED: Shacks have been erected between unused tracks. Photo: TRACEY ADAMS/ANA
She says Prasa is working closely with the City to find a solution, such as the provision of alternative serviced land for the invaders.
Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, says the City will assist Prasa in getting rid of the invaders.
“The City has offered to assist with the dismantling and removal of the unoccupied structures due to the immediate health and safety concerns that exist.
“Although we understand the acute need, we must also consider the health and safety aspects that could affect our residents.
“Housing delivery must continue to happen in a fair and structured way to ensure that there is no queue jumping.”
He says land invasions were affecting the City’s service delivery plans, social stability, and financial planning.
“New informal settlement areas that have resulted from recent land invasions have not been planned or budgeted for. The City is currently reassessing some of its processes to see how our anti-land invasion operations can be optimised, and to enhance partnerships.”